Sandoval On Red Sox Starting Shaw: 'Right Decision To Help Team Win'
BOSTON (CBS) -- Pablo Sandoval received word on Thursday that Travis Shaw will be Boston's starting third baseman when the 2016 begins next week.
An eight-year veteran entering the second year of a five-year, $95 million contract, you would think Sandoval would be a little miffed at the benching. But that wasn't the case when he spoke with reporters down in Fort Myers, Florida.
"It was the right decision to help the team win," said Sandoval (via the team's website). "I'm going to be ready during the season to do my job out there."
Sandoval's career in Boston got off to a disappointing start last season, with a .245 batting average and just 47 RBIs to go with 15 errors in the field, and things didn't get much better when he showed up to Spring Training last month. Shaw's hot spring certainly didn't help his cause.
But Sandoval has heard the team's message loud and clear: You have to earn your job back.
"It's going to be difficult, but I have to be happy," he said. "[Shaw] is doing a great job and [had] a fantastic spring so, like I say, it's going to be a tough battle. Nothing is easy. You know, I just look out for the best for the team. If it's going to help the team, I'm happy."
At least Sandoval is saying all the right things, and seems to be ready for the challenge presented to him by the Boston brass.
